Last



C. M. SEAR].-

LAST

June 22 1926. 1,589,485

Filed April 21, 1924 6 s t sh t 1 June 22 1926.

c. M. SEARL LAST Filed April 21, 1924 s Sheets-sheet 2 as, 25.; alum/" 1 a 16% c June 22 1926. 1,589,485

C. M. SEARL LAST Filed April 21, 1924 6 sheets-Sheet 5 June 22 1926. v 1,589,485

C. M. SEARL LAST Filed April 21, 1924 6 s t sh t 4 June 22 1926. 1,589,485

7 c. M. SEARL LAST Filed April 21, 1924 6 sh ets-Sheet 5 June 22 1926.

. 1,589,485 c. M. SEARL LAST Filed April 21, 1924 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented June 22, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLINTON M. SEARL, OF PORTSMOUTH, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE VULCAN LAST COM- PANY, OF PORTSMOUTH, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

LAST.

Application filed April 21, 1924. Serial No. 707,796.

My invention relates to an improvement in lasts and is particularly directed to'lasts of the divided type,that is to say, to that type of last which is divided into two parts, a toe part and a heel part, movable relatively to each other to collapsed and extended positions.

It is desirable in lasts of this type that the last be capable of being easily collapsed so that it may be removed froma shoe without injury to the lining of the shoe and without stretching the shoe out of place.

In lasting a shoe the last is held upside down,-that is, with the sole sideuppereach other by a link attached to the fore part v and heel part by pins so located relatively that) a line drawn through their centers will fall. above the axis'on which the last parts move when the last is collapsed and below this point or axis when the last is extended.

In such a construction, the greater the distance the pins are below the axis of the last when the last is extended, or the greater sistance the last will ofier to collapse or extension, but this distance is limited inasmuch as the pins must be located in the last body itself, and in the case of wooden lasts the pins must be kept at an appreciable distance from the bottom or sole face owing to the danger of splitting the last when the same is in use or when being moved from extended position to collapsed position or.

vice versa. Y

In the present construction have provided an arrangement for attaching the two last parts to each other whereby an effect is obtained which is as efficient as the lower- --ing of the pins in theabove-outlined conone of the objects the distance they are above the axis of the last when the last is collapsed, the more re-' -means is overcome by the struction to thedanger point, the resistance to collapse or extension offered by my last being very materially increased, without, however, necessitating placing of any pins at apoint where they are likely to cause the last to split.

It is one of the especial objectsof my in vention to provide a last in which the last partsare held together under tension and not simply held in expanded or collapsed position under tension.

It is a further object-of my invention to hold tlie last parts together by means employing a lever, with the parts constantly under tension.

It is a still further object of myinvention to holdthe parts of the last together under tension with the parts so arranged that the tension will assume its maximum when the parts are either in their fully expanded position or fully collapsed position. i

It is an additional object of my invention to rovide the holdingtogether of the parts vunc er tension and to associate therewith a lever, the parts being so arranged that the tension will achieve its maximum at the completely expanded or collapsed position of the last parts. It will be realized that the tension may be created by a variety of means which may be very compressible or expansible, and that the details of creating this condition are not essential.

It is a further ob ect oi myinvention .to provide such mechanism to hold the parts of the last together under tension that it will not be necessary to have resilient, links or resilient anchor pins. Such means are eliminatedand the same results are obtained It, is a further object of my invention to provide the holding of such parts together under tension and the increasing of this tension at extreme positions together with means to lock the parts in extended position by such tension means to resist the pressure, tending to collapse the last, imposed on the bottom of the toe member in constructing the shoe thereon until such tension operator breaking the last.

.In the accompanying drawings- Fi ure 1 shows one embodiment of my invention in elevation Fig. 2 is a similar view of a modification;

Figs. 3 and 4 show other forms which my improved last may take;

In Figs. 5 and 6 I show two other forms of construction, the lasts of these forms being provided with a collapsible instep;

In Figs. 7 and 8 I show further modifications, the lasts of these forms being provided with an internal spring extending longitudinally, as hereinafter pointed out, to.

maintain the last extended or collapsed;

In Figs. 9 and 10 I show a further modification, locking mechanism being provided for locking the last parts in position;

Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 1a show additional modifications.

For the sake of clarity the lasts in all the formsillustrated have been shown more or less diagrammatically rather than true elevations or true sectional elevations.

Referring first of all to the last of Fig. 1, 1 designates the heel part and 2 the toe part of a last divided as customary by an arcuate cut, as indicated at 3. The center of the cut 3 is designated 4t and will be hereinafter referred to, for clarity of expression, as the axis of the last. 5 designates a connecting or tying link, one end of which is pivotally attached to one of the last parts (the heel part 1 in the present instance) by a pin 6, shown in section, this pin, when the last is in extended or fullline position, lying below the axis l. I may here mention that throughout the drawings any pins which 7 pass into the last parts will be shown in section, while other pins are in full lines. The link 5 lies in the usual slots in the heel and toe parts and its other end extends into the toe part 2 where it is pivotally attached to one end of a second link 7 by a pin 8. The other end of the second link 7 is pivoted to the toe part of the last by a pin 9 which lies intermediate the pins 6 and 8,that is, intermediate the ends of the link 5. 'The pins 6 and 9 are relatively located so that a line drawn through the centers of these pins will fall below the axis 4 of the last when the last is extended and above this axis when the last is collapsed. The toe part 2 is provided with an orifice extending vertically of the last, in which is inserted a spring 11, this spring engaging the forward end of the link 5 at its point of pivotal connection to the second link 7. The spring 11 is held under compression between the forward end of the link 5 and a pin 12, the latter extending transversely of the last.

It will be seen, therefore, that the two last parts are pivotally attached to each other y a system of links attached to the two last parts at points below the axis of the last when the last is extended, this arrangement being such, however, that one point of attachment of this linkage to the last is intermediate the ends of one of the links.

lVith the parts in the position shown in Fig. 1, it will be apparent that the spring 11 is exerting a pressure on the end of the I levers or links 5 and 7, beyond the fulcrum or pin 9, in a direction to swing the forward or toe end of link 5 and link 7 downwardly, to hold the last parts to each other under tension. It will be apparent that when the last parts are being moved, from the fullline position of the drawing toward collapsed position, the line of force of the spring 11 will gradually approach the fulcrum 9in etlect gradually shortening the lever arm represented by the distance between the lines a and b, the line I) representing the line of force of the spring 11 while the line a is parallel to the line b and drawn through the center of the fulcrum 9. It follows, therefore, that the greatest distance between the lines a and b is when the parts are in the full-line position of Fig. 1,

and hence the greatest tension under which the last parts are held to each other is when the last is in extended position. This is clearly a novel construction as compared with lasts of the prior art wherein the ten sion under which the last parts are held to each other is at its greatest when the last parts are in such a position that a line drawn through the centers of the pins by which the usual connecting link is attached to the last parts passes through the axis of the last parts. In other words, I have provided a structure wherein the tension is at its greatest when it should be at its great est,-to wit, when the last parts are in full extended position, at which time the tension should be such as to prevent accidental collapse of the last. Having the greatest ten sion when the last parts arein dead center position, so to speak, is, of course, of no ma terial advantage so far as preventing collapse of the last is concerned.

It will be seen also that when the last parts are in the dotted-line position of Fig. 1, the lever arm represented by the distance between the lines a and b is longer than when the last parts are in dead center position, and hence the tension under which the last parts are held is at a maximum when the last is collapsed. This structure provides, therefore, maximum tension with the last parts in extended position and in collapsed position.

In Fig. 2 I provide an arrangement which is a slight departure from the arrangement shownin Fig. 1. Referring to this figure, 13 designates the heel part and 14 the toe part of a last of the divided type, the two last sections being separated by an arcuate cut 15, the center of which is 16. The last parts are attached to each other by two links 17 and 18, the rear end of the link 17 being pivoted by the pin 19 to the heel part of the last, its forward end extending into the toe part of the last, where it is pivotally attached, as indicated at 20, to the link 18 intermediate the ends thereof. The rear end of the link 18 is pivoted to the toe part of the last, as indicated at 21. It should be observed that the point of connection of the link 18 to the toe part of the last lies between the pins 19 and 20 and also that a line drawn through the centers of the pins 19 and 20, with the last parts in extended position, falls below the axis 16 of the last parts. It should be noted also that when the last is collapsed this line will fall above the axis 16.

The link 18 extends beyond the pin 20 and,

its forward end is engaged by a spring 22 held under compression between the forward endof the link 18 and a pin 23 extending transversely of the last toe.

With the parts in extended position, as shown in full lines, the spring 22 is exerting pressure on the forward end of the link 18 beyond the fulcrum 21, in a direction to cause the pins 19 and 21 to tend to approach each other, and inasmuch as the centers of these ins lie below the axis 16 the last parts are iield in extended position under tension. hen the last is collapsed, the line passing through the centers of the pins 19 and 21 falls above the axis 16, and consequently the spring 22 at this time will be exerting a pressure on the link 18 to cause the pins 19 and 21 to tend to approach each other and thereby hold the last parts in collapsed position under tension.

It will be apparent that in this embodiment of my invention I employ the P111101- ple explained in connection with Fig. 1, the lever arm to which force is applied by the spring 22 and which is represented by the distance between the lines 0 and (Z, is at its greatest length with the last parts in extended position and in collapsed position, and consequently the tension under which the last parts are held is at its maximum with the last part-s extended or collapsed.

In Fig.3 another modification of my invention has been shown. The same principle, however, is involved in theconstruction of this last as employed in the last of Figs. 1 and 2. r The last of this figure comprises a heel part 24 and'a toe part 25, divided along an arcuate cut 26, the center of which is 27 and constitutes what I have termed the axis of the last parts. Pivotally attached to the heel part 24 by a pin 28 is a lever or link 29. this lever extending into the toe part of the last, where its forward end is pivotally attached at 30 to a second link 31, this link being pivotally attached to the toe part of the last by a pin 32 located intermediate its ends. The end of the link 31 remote from the pin 30 is engaged by a spring always under compression, between the end ofthe link and a pin 34.

Irwin-be seen that inthis embodiment of my invention the'fulcrum 32 liesintermedt ate the ends of the link 29. It will ,be seen also that a line drawn through the centers of the pins 28 and 32, which pins constitute the pivotal connection of the links 29 and3l to the last parts, falls below the axis 27 of the last when the last is extended, and as a consequence the action of the spring 33 upon the end of the link 31 beyond the pin 30. is to tend to cause the pins 28 and 32 toapproach each other to thereby hold the last parts in extended position under tension. VVhen thelast is collapsed, the line passing through the centers of the pins 28 and 32 falls above the axis 27 and the last parts will be held in collapsed position under tension due to the action of the spring 33.

In this embodiment of my invention it will be apparent that the lever arm represented by the distance between the linese and f will be at its greatest length when the last parts are in extended position or in collapsed position, and ,hence the forceapplied by the spring '33 will exert a maximum tension on the last parts when the last is extended and when the last is collapsed,

Referring to Fig. 4, I here provide a last comprising a heel part 35 and a toe part 36,

divided by an arcuate cut 37. The last of this figure is provided with a bearing pin 37 at the center of the are 15. A toggle comprising the two links 38 and 39 ties the two last parts together, one end of the link 38 being pivotally attached to the heel part by a pin 40, theother end of this link pivoting on the bearing or fulcrum 37. The other link 39, which is located in the last toe, has one end pivotally attached to the toe part 36 by a pin 41, the other end pivoting on the bearing pin 37. The pins 40 and 41 are so disposed that a line drawn through their centers falls below the bearing pin or fulcrum. 37 when the last parts are extended and above the bearing pin when the last is collapsed.

To hold the last parts under tension in either collapsed or extended position, I provide a curved link 42 having its heel end pivoting on the pin 40, the other end of this link or lever extending into the toe part of the last, where it receives a pin 43 by which this end of the link is pivotally attached to another link or lever 44, pivotally attached to the lever 39 of the toggle by a pin 45 lo-- cated intermediate the two ends of the toggle and in such a position that a line drawn through its center and the center of the pin 40 will fall below the center of the bearing pin or fulcrum 37 when the last is extended and above this pin when the last is collapsed. Likewise the centers of the pins 40 and 41 and 40 and 43 will fall below the center of the pin 37 at the same time. Power is applied the toe end of the lever 42 by a spring 46 held 'inder compression by a pin 47 passing transversely of the last-into the last toe.

In this form of my invention it will be seen that power is applied to the toggle intermediate the ends thereof through the medium of the spring 46 and the levers or links 42 and 44.

In operation with the last extended, it will be seen that the last parts are held in this position under tension by the spring 46, this spring pressing downwardly on the end of the lever 42, this force being transmitted to the toggle link 89 in a direction to tend to force the toggle link 39 toward the bearing pin or fulcrum 87. In other Words, the point or pin 43 is tending to move downwardly to approach the pin 41; likewise the pin is being forced by the spring 46 through the link 42 to approach the pin 41. Consequently the two last parts are forced toward each other to hold them in extended position. In collapsed position the centers of the pins 40, 41, 43 and 45 he above the center of the pin 37, so that the spring 46 will cause the'last parts to be drawn toward each other to hold the last collapsed under tension.

In this embodiment of my invention it will be seen, therefore, that the lever arm to which force is applied by the spring 46 and represented by the distance between the lines 9 and 7a, is of its greatestlength when the last parts are in extended position, and consequently the last parts will be held under greatest tension when the last is extended. I he same thing is true when the last parts are collapsed.

In the last of Fig. 5 I provide a toe part and a heel part, 48 and 49, respectively, divided along the arcuate cut 50. These two parts are attached to each other by a lever or link 51, one end of which is pivotally attached to the toe part of the last at 52. The other end of this link extends into the heel part of the last. where it is pivotally con.- nected at 53 to the broadened end of a lever 54, the latter being pivotaliy attached to the last heel by afulcrum pin 55. The pins 52 and 55 are disposed relatively so that a line drawn through their centers falls below the axis 56 of the last when the last is extended and above that point when the last is c01- lapsed. The forward end of the lever 54 extends into the toe part of the last and a spring 57 is interposed between this end of the lever and the lever 51, this spring being under compression at all times.

lVith the last parts in the position shown in full lines in the drawing, it will be seen that the spring 57 tends to force the forward end of the lever 54 upwardly, and as a consequence the rear end of the link 51 is being forced downwardly, to thereby draw the two last parts together and hold therein extend: ed position under tensiom It will be apparent also that when the last parts are in collapsed or dotted-line position, the action of the spring 57 will hold the last parts in that position under tension also.

In this embodiment of my invention I have provided a collapsible instep 58 attached to the end of the link 51 forward of the pivot 52 by a link 59. lVith the last in extended position, the instep 58 will be held in its extended position by the link 59. When the last parts are moved to collapsed position, the point of attachment of the link 59 to the link 51 is moved relatively to the last toe to thereby draw the instep down into collapsed position.

In Fig. 6 I have illustrated a last coniprising the heel part 60 and toe part 61 divided by an arcuate cut 62, the center of which constitutes the axis of the last and is designated 63. In this embodiment of my invention the last parts are attached to each other by two links or levers 64 and 65 pivotally attached to each other, as indicated at 66, the rear end of the link 65 being pivoted to the heel part 60 of the last, as indicated at 67. The forward end of the lever 64 is pivoted to the toe part of the last by a pin 68. A line drawn through the two pins 67 and 68, with the last in extended'position, falls below the axis 63 of the last. That portion of the link 65 lying between the pins 66 and 67, together with the link 64, constitutes a toggle attached to the heel and toe of the last 67 and 68. The link 65 is extended beyond the pin 66 into the toe part of the last, this extended portion being designated 69, and between the forward end of this extension and the forward end of the link 64, I provide a spring whichis always under tension and which spring is tending to force the forward extension 69 of the link 65 away from the point of attachment 68 of the link 64 with the toe part of the last. The result of this construction is that when the last is in extended ppsition the spring 70 is tending to break the toggle mechanism by which the two parts of the last are attached to each other to thereby hold the last parts in extended posi tion under tension. When the last is collapsed, the line drawn through the center of the pins 67 and 68 falls above the axis 63 of the last, with the result that while the spring 70 is still tending to break the toggle, it will now hold the last parts in collapsed position under tension.

In this form of my invention I have provided a collapsible instep section 71 which is attached to the forward end of the link 65 by a link 72, and as the last parts are moved from extended to collapsed position, and vice versa, the instep section 71 will be collapsed and extended. I

In Fig. 7, 76 and 74 designate the toe respectively, of another form of my invention, these two parts being divided alongan arcuate cut 7 5. 7 6 designates'a center or bearing pin about which thelast parts move when being extended or collapsed, as the case may be, this pin being located at the center of the cut'75. Fastened on this pin is a triangular shaped plate 77, one extremity of the base of which is secured by the pin 76 while theother extremity of the base is secured to the heel part 74 of the last by the pin 78. The apex of the triangular plate 77 is pivotally attached by a pin 79 to the heel or rear end of a link 80. The forward end of this link extends into the toe part of the last whereit is pivotally attached by a pin 81 to the apex of a triangular shaped plate 82. The forward extremity of the base of this plate is pivoted by a pin 83 to the toe part of the last. Extending longitudinally of the last is a tube 84, slotted at 85 to receive the plate 82,-the tube extending from the pin to the pin 76. lVithin the tube is a spring 86 always under compression between the pin 76 and a ball 8? within the tube and which engages one side 88 of the plate 82. This side or edge of the plate is in the form of a cam. I I

lVith the parts in extended position, as indicated in full lines, the spring 86 whichis under compression, tends to rotate the plate 82 about the body'pin 83- to move the lever 80 to the left, 'as'viewed in the drawing, to in turn rotate the plate 77 about the center or bearing pin 76. This carries the pin '78 downwardly in a direction to shorten the distance between the pins 7 8 and 83 to hold part and heel part,

the last in extended position under tension Thecam on the plate 82 acts as a lock. hen the last is collapsed. the s ring 86 tends to actuate the pin 78 in the opposite direction to again shorten the distance between the pins 7 8 and 83, and hence hold the last parts in collapsed position under ten.-

sion.

In Fig. 8', 89 designates the heel part' and 90 the "toe part of a last divided by an arouatecut 91, these two last parts moving or pivoting from extended position to collapsed position,

and vice versa, about a bearing pin 92. Mounted on this pin is a triangularshaped plate 98, one extremity of the base of this plate being attached to the heel part 89 by a pin 9 l. The other extremity of the base of this plate is pivotally attached by a pin 95 to a link 96. This link extends into the toe part of the last, where it is pivoted at 97 to the forward extremity of the base of a second plate 98 pivoted to the toe part of the last by a pin 99. This last is provided with a longitudinally extending tube 100,

within which I mount a spring101, this spring being held under compression between the bearing pin 92 and a ball 102 which engages the face 103 of plate 98 when the last is extended and the face 101 when the last'is'collapsed.

In this embodiment of my invention, when I the parts are in extended position, the action of the spring 101 on the face 103 of the plate 98 tends to swing the pin 94 in a direction to shorten the distance between this pin and the pin 99, thereby holding the last in extended position under tension. Likewise when the last parts are collapsed, these two pins are being forced toward each'other to hold the last collapsed under tension.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Fig. 9, 105 designates the heel part and 106 the toe part of a last, divided along the arcuate slot 107 and moving about a center pin 108. Mounted on the pin108 IS a triangular shaped plate 109, one extremity of the base of which is secured to the heel part by a pin 110; The forward extremity of the base of this plate is pivotally connected by a pin 111 to a link 112 extending into the toe part 106 of the last. The forward end of this link is pivoted by a pin 113 to a short link 114 which is in turn pivoted intermediate its length by a pin 115 to the toe part of the last. This same pin pivotally attaches the link tothe forward extremity of the base of a triangular plate 116. The other extremity of the base of this plate is pivoted on the bearing pin 108 To the apex of the plate 116 I pivotally attach a lever 117. This'lever is provided on its under side with a cam surface 118 while the upper side is in engagement with a spring 119 held under compression between it and a pin 120 in the toe part of the last. i 0

With the parts in the position shown in full: lines in the drawing,'that is to say, with the last in extended position,'-the pressure of the spring 119 upon the lever 11'?" is tending to swing the short link or lever 114 aboutthe pivot pin 115, this move ment drawing the link 112 to the right, thereby tending'to shorten the distance between the pins 110 and 115 to hold the last parts in extended position under tension, the cam face on the lever 117 holding the parts locked in position. 'When the last is collapsed the end of the link 115 moves past the raised portion on the cam face 118 and the action of the spring 119 is now in a direction to again shorten the distance be tween the pins 110 and 115, with the result that the last parts are held in collapsed position under tension.

In 10, 121 designates the heel part and 122 the toe part of a-last divided along the arcuate cut'123 to provide a bearing about which the last parts move. 124 designates a bearing pin located at the center of the arc Mounted on the bearing pin is a triangular plate 125 which is attached to the heel by a pin 126. The apex of this plate is pivoted by a pin 127 to a link 128 extending into the toe part of the last. 129 designates a second link, one end of which is pivoted on the bearing pin 124 while the forward end extends into the toe part of the last and is pivoted thereto by a pin 130. A short link 131 is pivoted on this pin 130. The link 131 is pivotallv attached intermediate its length, as indicated at 132, to the link 128 already referred to. The end of this link 131 engages the under side of a lever 133 pivoted to the toe part of the last, as indicated at 134. Power is applied to the link 133, tending to pivot the. same onthe pin 134, by a spring 135 lying be tween the end of this link and a pin 136.

3. With the parts in the position shown in full lines in the drawings, the forces exerted by the spring 135 moves the link 131 clownwardly to rotate the plate 125 to the left about the bearing pin 124, thereby shortening the distance between the pins 126 and 130 to hold the last parts in extended position under tension. WV hen the last parts are moved to. collapsed position the spring 135 tends to rotate the plate 125 to the right to thereby again shorten the distance between the pins 126 and 130 to hold the last collapsed under tension.

In Fig. 11 I provide a last comprising the heel portion 137 and toe portion 138 divided by an arcuate cut 139, the center of which is at 140. In the heel part of the last I provide a lever or plate 141, the rear end of which is broadened to provide a more or less triangularly shaped rear end, the forward extremity of the base of which is pivoted to the heel portion of the last by a pin 142. Pivotally attached to the other extremity of this broadened base portion by a pin 143 is a link 144, this link extending into the toe part of the last where it is pivotally attached by a pin 145 to the forward extremity of the base 146 of a lever 147 which is similar to the lever 141 above referred to. The lever 147 is pivoted tothe toe part of the last by a pin 148. The two levers 141 and 147 extend toward each other, the lever 141 extending forwardly of the last and the lever 147 rearwardly until the two ends approach each other substantially over the center or axis 140. Interposed between these adjacent ends of the levers 141 and 147 and the upper side of the link 144 is a coil spring 149 always under compression. The location of the pins 142 and 148 by which the levers 141 and 147 are pivotally attached to the last parts is such that a line drawn through the centers of these pins falls below the axis 140 when the last is extended and above this axis when the last is collapsed.

In the full-line position of Fig. 11 it will beapparent that the action of the spring 149 is to rotate the levers 141 and 147 in an anticlockwise and clockwise direct-ion respectively. These two levers, however, being attached to each other through the tying link 144, the action of the spring 149 is' to shorten or tend to shorten the distance between the two pins 142 and 148 and as a result the last parts will be held in extended position under tension. 9

When the last is collapsed,that is to say, when moved to the clotted-line position of Fig. 11,the spring 149 is exerting a pressure on the levers 141 and 147 in a direction to again shorten or tend to shorten the distanee between the pins 142 and 148 but a line drawn through the centers of these pins now falls above the axis 140 and as a result the last parts will be held in collapsed position under tension.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 12, 150 designates the heel part and 151 the toe part of my improved last, these last parts being divided along the arcuate cut 152. Pivotally attached to the heel part of this last by a pin 153 is a plate 154, the pin 153 extending through the forwardextremity of the base thereof. The other extremity of the base of this plate is pivotally attached by a pin 155 to a tube 156 extending from the heel portion through the bearing of the last provided by the cut 152 and into the toe portion 151 where it is pivotally attached by a pin 157 to the forward extremity of the base of a plate 158 which is similar to the plate 154. The rear extremity of the base of this plate is pivoted to the toe part of the last by a pin 159. Within the tube 156 is a coil spring 160 which is always under compression and which constantly forces the ball 161 within the tube against the edge 162 of the plate 154 and the ball 163 against the edge 164 of the plate 158.

IVith the parts in the full-line position of the drawing, the action of the spring 160 is in a direction to tend to rotate the plate 154 to the left and the plate 158 to the right about the pins 153 and 159. These two plates, however, are tied to each other by the tube 156 and the result is that this action of the spring will tend to shorten the distance between the pins 153 and 159 to thereby hold the last parts in extended position under tension inasmuch as the centers of the pins 153 and 159 are below the axis of the last.

lVhen the last part is moved to the dotted line position of the drawing, the action of the spring 160 is to tend to shorten the distance between the pins 153 and 159, but inasmuch as a line drawn through the centers of these pins now lies above the axis of the last, it will be seen that the last will now be held in collapsed position under tension.

In the last of Fig. 13 I provide a heel portion 165 and a toe portion 166, these two portions being divided along the arcuate cut 167, the center of which is at 168. Pivoted to the heel part 165 by a pin 169 is a lever 17 0 and pivoted to the toe part 166 is a similar lever 171, this lever being pivoted to the toe part by the pin 172'. These two levers are substantially triangularly shaped and the pin 169 above referred to passes through the lower extremity of the base of the lever 170 while the pin 172 passes through the I lower extremity of the base of the lever 171.

Extending through the apex of the lever 170 and the apex of the lever 171 and pivotally attached thereto by pins 173 and 174: respectively, is a link 17 5. This link is provided intermediate its ends with a pin 176 which eatends transversely of the link and passes through a slot 177 in a pin 178 which extends substantially vertically of the last. Attached to the upper end of the pin 178 is a plate 179 and attached to the ends of this plate are two links 180 and 181, the link 180 being attached to the upper extremity of the base of the lever 170 while the link 181 is attached to the upper extremity of the base of the lever 171.

Mounted on the pin 178 and interposed be tween the plate 179 and the upper edge of the link 17 5 is a coil spring 182 always under compression.

With the parts in the full-line position shown in the drawings, the spring 182 is set ing in a direction to swing the levers 170 and 171 about their respective pivots 169 and 172, but inasmuch as these two levers are tied together by the link 1755' the result of this action of the spring is to tend to shorten the distance between the pins 169 and 172 to thereby hold the last parts in collapsed position under tension, the centers of the pins 169 and 172 lying below the center or axis 168 of the last.

lVhen the last parts are moved to the dotted-line position of the drawings, the spring 182 is exerting a pressure in a direction to tend to shorten the distancebetween the pins 169 and 172, A line passing through the centers of these pins at this time. however, falls above the axis 168 of the last, with the result that the last parts will be held in collapsed position under tension.

In Fig 14 I provide a heel part 183 and toe part 184 divided alongthe arcuate cut 185. Pivotally attached to the heel 183 by a-pin 186 is a link 187, the forward end of this link extending into the toe part of the last where it is pivotally attached by a pin 188 to a lever 189, the latter in turn being pivotally attached to the toe part of the last by a pin 190. The lever 189 is roughly in the form of a triangle and the pin 190 passes through the lower extremity of the base thereof, while the pin 188 passes through theupper extremity of the base thereof. To the apexof this triangularly shaped lever is pivoted a link 191, the other end of this link being pivoted to a second link 192, the other end of which in turn is pivoted on the pin 186 in the heel. The links 191 and 192'constitute a to le and between the center of this toggle,-that is. to sa between the point of connection of the link 191 to the link 192 and the upper edge of the link 187 ,-is a coil spring 193, this spring always being under compression.

With the parts in the full-line position of Fig. 14:, the action of the spring 193 is in a direction to straighten the toggle comprising the links 191 and 192 to thereby tend to rock the lever 189 to the right about the pin 190, and inasmuch as this lever is tied to the pin 186 by the link 187 the result of this action is to tend to shorten the distance between the pins 186 and 190, and inasmuch as a line drawn through the centers of these pins falls below the axis of the last parts, the last parts will be held in extended position under tension. Likewise when the last is collapsed,the action of the spring 193 is to shorten or tend to shorten the distance between the pins 186 and 190, and inasmuch as a line drawn through the centers of these pins now falls above the axis of the last, it will be seen that the last parts will be held in collapsed position under tension.

In all the embodiments of my invention herein illustrated and described, it will be apparent that I have provided a last structure wherein the last parts are held in extended position and in collapsed position under tension, thereby providing a structurewhich will successfully withstand accidental collapse or extension of the last parts when the same are in use in the manufacture of shoes. It will be seen also that in the various forms of my invention I provide a structure in which the force exerted on the last parts to hold the last in extended and in collapsed position is of some magnitude, my improved construction being such, however, that this increase in forceis provided without weakening the last. In other words, more power-is available for holding the last parts in adjusted position due to my improved structure than is possible in lasts as now manufactured.

It will be seen also that I have provided a last structure wherein the last parts are held in ext-ended position and in collapsed position under greatest tension. In other words, the tension under which the last parts are held to each other when the last is extended or when the last is collapsed, as the case may be, is greater than the tension under which the last parts are held when in an intermediate position.

What I claim is:

1. In a-last of the divided type and comprising a heel part and a toepart, a link pivoted to the heel part, a link pivoted to the toe part, said links being pivoted to each other, and means for applying power to said links to hold the last parts in extended position and in collapsed position under tension.

2. In a last of the divided type, the combination of a heel part and a toe part, a link pivotally attached to the heel part and ex tending into the toe part of the last, a collapsible instep for the toe part of said last, an instep link attached to said collapsible instep and having its other end attached to said first-mentioned link, a link pivotally attached to the toe part of the last and extending into the heel part of the last and pivotally attached to the first-mentioned link intermediate the ends thereof, and a spring interposed between the forward end of the first-mentioned link and the point of attachment of the last-mentioned link to the toe part of the last to maintain the last parts in extended position and in collapsed position under tension, said instep link holding the instep in extended position when the last is extended and in collapsed position when the last is collapsed.

3. In a last of the divided type, the combination of a heel part and a toe part, a link pivotally attached to the heel part of the last and extending into the toe part, a second link having one end pivotally attached to the toe part, its other end extending into the heel part and being attached to the firstmentioned link intermediate the ends thereof, and a spring under compression interposed between the free end of the first-mentioned link and the forward end of the second-mentioned link, the points of attachment of said links to the last parts being such that a line drawn through their centers will fall below the axis of the last when the last parts are extended and above said axis when the last parts are collapsed, said spring maintaining the last parts in extended and in collapsed position under tension.

4. In a last of the divided type and comprising a toe part and a heel part, a link pivotally attached to the toe part and extending into the heel part, a second link pivotally attached to the heel part and extending into the toe part, said first link being pivotally attached to the second link at a point remote from the point of attachment of the second link to the heel part of the last, and a spring interposed between the forward ends of said links for actuating said links in a direction to shorten the distance between the points of vattachment of the two links to the toe part and heel part of the last to thereby maintain the last parts in extended position and in collapsed position under tension.

5. In a last of the divided type and comprising a toe part and a heel part, a link pivotally attached to the toe part and extending into the heel part, a second link pivotally attached to the heel part of the last, the rear end of the first link being pivoted to the second link at a point spaced from the point of attachment of the second link to the heel part of the last, and a spring for forcing the forward end of the second link away from the forward end of the first link to thereby shorten the distance between the points of attachment of the two links to the two last parts to thereby maintain the last parts in extended position and in collapsed position under tension.

6. In a last of the divided type, the combination a heel part and a toe part provided with a bearing about which the last parts may be moved from collapsed position to extended position and vice versa, means for holding the last parts to each other under tension, the tension under which the last parts are held to each other being at a maximum when the last is extended.

7. In a last of the divided type, the combination of a heel part and a toe part, means for holding the last parts to each other under tension, the tension under which the last parts are held when in extended position and in collapsed position being greater than the tension under which the last parts are held to each other when in an intermediate position.

8. In a last of the divided type, the combination of a toe part and a heel part, means for attaching the two last parts to each other, means for applying power to said attaching means to hold the last parts to each other under tension, the effective power applied to the last parts when the last is extended and when the last is collapsed being greater than that applied to the last when the last parts are in an intermediate position.

9. In a last, toe and heel parts, and means to hold said parts together under tension, and a system of levers connected with the tension means for amplifying and regulating this tension.

10. In a last, toe and heel parts, means to hold said parts together under tension, and a system of levers connected with the tension means for amplifying and regulating this tension, said levers being so arranged that they will lock in expanded position of the last parts.

11. In a last, toe and heel parts, means to hold said parts together under tension, and a system of levers connected with the tension means for amplifying and regulating this tension, said parts being so arranged that the tension will be increased and attain a maximum tension at the expanded or collapsed position of the last parts.

1.2. In a last, toe and heel parts, means to hold said parts together under tension, and a system of levers connected with the tension means for amplifying and regulating this tension, said parts being so arranged that the tension will increase at the expanded or collapsed position of the last parts, and the levers so arranged that in one of said positions the last parts will be locked.

13. In a last, toe and heel parts pivoted on one another, a system of toggle levers and a yielding means cooperating therewith to exert force on the parts, whereby the yielding. means will exert its greatest force when the parts are in expanded or collapsed position.

14. In a last, toe and heel parts pivoted on one another, connecting levers pivoted freely at their respective ends to the last parts and pivoted freely to each other, and yielding means cooperating therewith to exert force through the levers on the parts, whereby the yielding means will exert its greatest force when the parts are in expanded or collapsed position. v

This specification signed this 7th day of April, 1924.

CLINTON Mi SEARL. 

